Gunflint Trail Dog Sled Fun Run Invites Mushers to Participate in Second Annual Event

Lutsen, Minnesota ─ The newly-formed Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Gunflint Trail Association members, today announced the Second Annual Mush for a Cure Fun Run to be hosted on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota Saturday, March 15. The Mush for a Cure Fun Run is a non-competitive sled dog race that will raise funds to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Mush for a Cure is a celebratory season-ending race intended to celebrate the history of dog mushing along the Gunflint Trail and raise awareness about women’s health and wellness. Accomplished dog musher Mary Black and Gunflint Trail resident Sue Prom founded Mush for a Cure by combining their desires to help support efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. In 2007, Prom created a special bent-shaft Pink Paddle to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and in 2007, Black and Prom teamed to coordinate the 1st Annual Mush for a Cure.

Mary and her husband, Mark Black, raise and train sled dogs. The couple married in 1989 and dedicated their lives to competitive dog sled racing, training and education. Mark ran his first John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Northern Minnesota in 1985 and has run the famed marathon 15 times. He won the grueling race in 2005. One year before, in 2004, Mary ran the John Beargrease race and finished an impressive 4th. The well respected athletes and educators have teamed with the Gunflint Trail residents and lodge owners to organize this event. Awards will be given for the most outrageous pink outfit or costume, but this award is not limited to the race participants as the handlers, volunteers, event organizers and spectators are all encouraged to participate. Prizes will also be awarded at the conclusion of the race at the Trail Center to the racers who raise the most money. All proceeds benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation
There is a mandatory entrance fee of $50.00 for all racers that will cover the cost of trail permits and insurance. Participants are encouraged to secure individual pledges above and beyond the entrance fee in advance of the event as part of the fundraising campaign. Promoting the event and collecting pledges is the responsibility of the participant and is to be presented during the same-day registration.

Mush for a Cure
Saturday, March 15, 2008

Where:
12:00 Noon start Gunflint Pines Resort on Gunflint Lake. Finish at Trail Center Lodge on Poplar Lake on the historic Gunflint Trail.

Length of Fun Run:
24 miles

Entry Fee:
$50.00 - The mandatory entry fee will cover the cost of insurance and trail permits. Pledge money and registration payment will be
collected during registration the day of the event.

Team size:
5-8 dogs

Type of start:
Sourdough / Shot Gun Start. Mushers hop out of their sleeping bags, put on their boots and hitch up their team before taking off down
Gunflint Lake. There will be optional poker cards handed out at select road crossings for the drivers that would like to participate

Parking:
Due to parking limitations at the start location the Mush for a Cure Fun Run is limited to 50 teams. Visit MushForACure.com and click on
the “Reserve a Parking Space” or e-mail info@MushForACure.com for more information.

Pledging:
All donations should be made payable to Mush for a Cure.

Reserve your Lodging:
Visit Gunflint-Trail.com or call (888) 922-5000.

Racer Registration, Pledging, Sponsorship information:
Mary Black at info@MushForACure.com or Tel. (218) 349-7960

Schedule of Events:

9:00am
Musher check-in and registration opens at Gunflint Pines Resort at Gunflint Trail mile 43.

12:00 Noon
Mass Sourdough Start on Gunflint Lake.

Noon - 3:00pm
Watch the race along the Trail. Suggested sites: Start at Gunflint Pines, Gunflint Resort, Gunflint Lake boat landing, Iron Lake Access,
Old Gunflint Trail (both west and east ends), Windigo Lodge on Poplar Lake, Nor'wester Lodge on Poplar Lake and finish party at Trail
Center Lodge at Gunflint Trail mile 30.

2:00- 10:00pm
Teams finish at Trail Center Lodge. The Finishers Bonfire and Dance Party tent are sponsored by Sarah Hamilton and the gang at TrailCenter Lodge. Enjoy hot dogs, cider and marshmallows while the teams are finishing! The Closing party is at 7:00pm with live music by “Rod and Reel” at the Trail Center Lodge. Awards presentation for largest pledge collector(s), most outrageous pink outfit and best Five Card Stud poker hand. There will also be a special drawing with prizes.